Farewell: Luton sensational superstar breaks down in tears as he announced Luton exit….
While a few may have shed tears, there were a lot more supporters of a joyous nature celebrating the fact the Hatters, although relegated, had done their very best, in difficult circumstances, in the top domestic league in the world.
Scanning those taking the applause, it was great to see Tom Lockyer, holding his recently born child, taking the applause from the support.
Tom, as we all know, saw his season curtailed early on that awful night, back in December 2023, down in Bournemouth.
Although a rise in disputable decisions has added fuel to the fire regarding the VAR debate this season and has accelerated a recent, visible push for change, for years supporters have voiced their frustration as the emotion surrounding a goal has been stripped away; the Premier League fan has all but forgotten the feeling of instant elation, unconfined joy, and pure delirium that keeps stadiums packed and turnstiles clicking.
Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and the winner of Leeds United and Southampton’s play-off final clash will all have the opportunity to push for the removal of VAR.
For the supporters of the three relegated sides, Burnley, Luton, and Sheffield United, any prospective changes enforced may feel bittersweet. Had the technology been dumped before this season, fans might have had a more enjoyable term in the top flight, despite their club’s lack of success.
Luton’s first season in the top flight since the Premier League’s inception has been memorable. The Hatters remained competitive throughout their campaign despite injury troubles and a relative lack of spending power.
But in dropping down to the Championship, the club will look forward to games without VAR.
The team’s troubled relationship with the technology can be traced back to a rocky start. In just their first home game this season, James Ward Prowse appeared to handle the ball in the box during West Ham’s 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road last September. Luton fans were rightly furious when VAR refused to intervene.
The obvious underdog team in the Premier League this year has been a breath of fresh air, but some of the shine has been taken off their historic campaign by a fallible VAR system that has added to a sense of injustice.
In comparison, fans of Burnley and Sheffield United were already accustomed to seeing their sides play at the highest level. Both clubs made an instant return to the Premier League after being relegated from the top flight in 2024
